The seminar, which coincides with Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, aims to address the issue of bowel cancer, and will offer information and advice from members of the Hospital's medical, nursing and allied health care professionals, as well as patient support services within the hospital and the community.

According to data from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland, Cork has the highest rate of bowel cancer in Ireland with an incidence rate of 57.9 per 100,000 per year.

Members of the public, including patients and family members, are invited to attend the event which will include information about; signs and symptoms, treatment options, surgery, bowel cancer screening, genetic factors and where to go for support.

The event will be chaired by Professor Seamus O'Reilly, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Cork University Hospital (CUH) and will see a range of speakers discuss their area of specialism in relation to bowel cancer.

"CUH is major cancer treatment centre for bowel cancer, and we welcome everyone to attend, particularly those who feel this information may be vital for them, their families and their futures," Anne Murphy, Colorectal Advanced Nurse Practitioner in theCork University Hospital.

The Irish Cancer Society is urging people in Cork to reduce their risk of bowel cancer by making some small lifestyle changes. Research has found that adults who increase their physical activity and have a healthy diet can reduce their risk of developing bowel cancer by 30 to 40 per cent.

For further information on the event, please contact the Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Centre in Cork University Hospital on 021 423 4536.